Shae Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

About Shae

Shae is a unisex name derived from the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Séaghdha (meaning 'hawk-like'), which evolved into Shea, with the meaning "stately" related to its hawk origins. In Ireland, it's sometimes considered a shortened form of Seamus.

Shae for boys#7120 US

Shae gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, appreciated for its simple spelling and soft sound. It ranks near the bottom of the UK Top 1000 but has never ranked in the US Top 1000, though Shea did meander through the lower half of that list from 1970 until 2006.

Over 100 baby girls were named Shae in the US last year, versus about 25 baby boys. The gender gap is narrower with the Shea spelling -- about 250 girls to 150 boys -- whereas the Shay spelling was used for 250 girls and 120 boys.

Shae for girls#2061 US

The third-most-popular spelling of this name, after Shea and Shay, is notable mostly for its connection to Game of Thrones. Shae is a "camp follower" -- AKA prostitute -- who becomes the loyal mistress to Tyrion Lannister while he is serving as Hand of the King.

Shae derives from an Irish Gaelic surname meaning "hawk-like", which evolved over time into the meaning "stately, dauntless one" She is the spelling the leans the most toward the female side. Over 100 baby girls were named Shae in the US last year, versus about 25 baby boys. The Shea spelling was used for about 250 girls to 150 boys, while the Shay version was given to 250 girls and 120 boys.

Pronounced SHAY.

As of October 2026, Shae ranked #7120 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1334 in 1990.

Popularity & trends

US popularity — history

US rank, lower is more popular · SSA data 2014–2025

Boys #4,527

Girls #2,061

20142025

18802025

Data table

Year	US rank · boys	Births · boys	US rank · girls	Births · girls
2014	—	0	#1,992	100
2015	—	0	#1,664	129
2016	—	0	#2,013	99
2017	—	0	#2,351	78
2018	—	0	#1,864	109
2019	—	0	#2,029	95
2020	—	0	#2,048	91
2021	#4,601	22	#1,766	116
2022	#4,167	26	#1,989	99
2023	#4,194	26	#1,733	119
2024	#4,527	23	#2,163	88
2025	—	0	#2,061	92